Helpful Links

Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey

The HERD survey collects data on research and development (R&D) activities at higher education institutions. The survey is completed annually for a given fiscal year and is due by the January 31 of the following year. Survey results are typically published in November of the following fiscal year (e.g., fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 was published in November, 2012). The HERD survey is conducted by ICF International under contract to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation (NSF). Data is collected from over 900 research-performing academic institutions. The resulting data from this survey is published annually by NSF.

The HERD survey is the primary source of information on research and development expenditures at higher education institutions in the United States. Results of the survey are primarily used to assess trends in R&D expenditures across the fields of science and engineering (S&E). The survey results in a listing that ranks institutions by R&D expenditures. In addition, the results of the surveys are maintained from previous fiscal years for historical trend analysis purposes. The HERD survey information is vital for decision making by federal, state, and academic planners regarding future R&D funding priorities. University of Illinois Administration places significant importance on the results of this survey.

To obtain more information on the HERD survey click on the link in the Helpful Links box.